Sonic-wave fuel air homogenizing device

ABSTRACT

A fuel-air homogenizing device for insertion between the carburetor and the intake manifold of an internal combustion engine. The device increases carburetion in the sense that the fuel-air mixture entering and passing through the same is thoroughly mixed or homogenized. The device contains at least one and preferably both of the following features; first, a whistle is laterally disposed through the device such that the sound emitting portion is disposed in the central aperture area of the device that communicates with the carburetor and the intake manifold conduit. Reduced pressure at the intake manifold is relied upon to draw air in from outside the carburetion system, this to supply the sound waves within and below the device to aid in the mixing of the fuel and air; second, a plurality of mutually spaced ribs having rounded surfaces and angulated downwardly are used as deflecting means so as to further insure improved homogenization. Filter means may be provided relative to the ambient air supply.

United States Patent [191 Stelter g 111] 3,815,565 1 ,Ju ne 11, 1974 [5 SONIC-WAVE FUEL AIR HOMOGENIZIN DEVICE [76] Inventor: William M. Stelter, 177 2 E. 7000 South, Salt Lake City, Utah 84403 [22] Filed: Aug. 21, 1972 [21] Appl. No.: 282,439

[52] U.S. CI. 123/141, 123/119 A [51] Int. Cl F02m 27/00 [58] Field of Search 123/141, 119 E, 198 E,

123/119 A; 26l/D1G. 48; 116/137; 48/180 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS l1/1948 Vang 123/119E 12/1950 Joeck 26l/D1Ci. 48

513325333 3113; 51153233111 111111-712??? aid in the-mixing ofrhe f and second, a p 2.903,443 0 1959 Fruengel 3 9 5 ity of mutually spaced ribs having rounded surfaces 3.164.451 1/1965 Almquist .1 48/180 and angulated downwardly are used as deflecting 3.186.392 6/1965 Gregorio 123/119 A means so as to further insure improved homogeni- 3\437467 4/19159 Jacobus 48/180 zation. Filter means may be provided relative to the- 3.458,297 7/1969 Anderson... 123/141 ambient i supply 3,730,160 5/1973 Hughes 123/141 9 Claims, 5 Drawing Figures Primary Examiner-Charles J Myhre Assistant Examiner-R. 1-1. Lazarus [57] ABSTRACT A fuel-air homogenizing device for insertion between the carburetor and the intake manifold of an internal combustion engine. The device increases carburetion in the sense that the fuel-air mixture entering and passing through the same is thoroughly mixed or homogenized. The device contains at least one and preferably both of the following features; first, a whistle is laterally disposed through the device such that the sound emitting portion is disposed in the central aperture area of the device that communicates with the carburetor and the intake manifold conduit. Reduced pressure at the intake manifold is relied upon to draw air in from outside the carburetion system, this to supply the sound waves within and below the device to PATENTEDJUH 2 1 1914 FIG. 5

FIG.

; DEVICE The present invention relates to carburetion in internal combustion engines and, more particularly, provides an insert device taking the form generally of a plate constructed for disposition between the carburetor and the intake manifold of the engine or the conduit leading thereto.

There is currently great effort being made in increasing engine performance while at the same time reducing noxious emissions from the exhaust system of a vehicle.

Through laboratory testing procedures the inventor has discovered that one and preferably both of two structural features are required, in the provision of an insert plate for disposition between the carburetor and an intake manifold, so that the highest degree of combustion may be obtained at the engine. The first of these features includes certain whistle structure which relies upon the reduced pressure of the intake manifold to draw in air from the outside through an accommodating hole or aperture into the whistle. The whistle structure and subject hole must be designed such that the whistle does not overblow and, preferably, so that the sound emitted lies in the audible region. This way a mechanic will know whether or not a whistle is performing effectively as he tests the engine.

The provision of such a whistle, operating between 20 and 17,000 cycles, for example, produces sound waves directly beneath the carburetor, which waves comprise condensations and rarefactions of air, serving to enhance homogeneity of the incoming air-fuel mixture. Highly advantageous for use with the whistle is a second provision in the subject insert plate, namely, of a plurality of mutually spaced ribs having upper surfaces which areboth rounded and which decline radially inwardly. This results in a focusing effect of incoming fuel and air directly beneath the insert plate which, in combination with the sound waves produced by the whistle, serves to produce an unusually high degree of homogenization of the fuel-air mixture so as to tend toward optimization of combustion at the engine proper.

The structure is suitable for either one or multiplebarrel carburetion systems. An adjustment provision relative to incoming air in the whistle structure may also be provided.

Accordingly, a principle object isto provide a new and improved device for optimizing the mixing of fuel and air beneath the carburetor of an internal combustion engine and prior to the introduction of such fueland-air mixture into the intake manifold of the engine.

A further object is to provide certain whistle structure capable of producing sound waves beneath the carburetor of an internal combustion'engine, the same relying upon the low pressureof the intake manifold to draw ambient air from the outside into the whistle structure.

An additional object is to provide an insert plate, for disposition between the carburetor and the intake manifold to' an'internal combustion engine, the same including a fuel-air passageway provided with rounded, interiorly and downwardly oriented deflecting ribs.

A further object is to provide the combination of a whistle structure and deflecting ribs in an insert plate,

such that the latter can be disposed between the carburetor and the intake manifold of an internal combustion engine to produce increased homogenization of fuel and air passing therethrough and hence reduce the quantity of exhaust pollutants. Y

A further object is to provide structure for adjusting the air intake of whistle structure operatively associated with the carburetion system of an internal combustion engine.

A further object is to provide an insert plate structure that can be used and constructed for both single and multiple barrel carburetion systems.

The features of the present invention may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which FIG. I is a fragmentary side elevation of a vehicle carburetor and system incorporating the fuel-air homogenizing device in the present invention.

FIG. 2 is'an enlarged plan of the device shown in edge view in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a vertical section taken along the line 3-3 in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of the construction similar to that shown in FIG. 2, but which is designed for use with plural carburetors.

'FIG. 5 is a vertical section taken along the line 5-5 in FIG. 4.

In FIG. I the fuel-air homogenizing device is shown disposed between flanges I1 and 12. Flange II is integral with conduit 13leading to the intake manifold of a conventional internal combustion engine. Flange 12 on the other hand is operatively associated with carburetor 13, being fixed to conduit 14 leading therefrom.

Bolts or studs 15 and 16 are disposed through aligned v, apertures and include nuts 17: and 18 as tightening securement means.

A plan view of the device 10 is shown in FIG. 2. Thus,

the device 10 essentially comprises a plate 19 having an open medial aperture 20. Extending into aperture 20, from inclined peripheral edge 21 is a series of radial deflecting ribs 22 having peripheries which are rounded about their transverse cross-sections relative to their longitudinal axes. These ribs are mutually spaced apart as indicated in FIG. 2. Theirrounded edges are so formed that fuel and air as proceeds downwardly from the carburetor will be deflected to a common focal point disposed centrally of and beneath the device 10. Plate 19 includes an aperture 23 that receives a cylindrical construction 24 taking the form of a conventional audible whistle. The cross-section of this whistle construction is shown in FIG. 3. Thus, the construction 24 includes an essentially hollow cylindrical body 25 provided with radial wall aperture 26 which is dimensioned to receive outside air. Forward portion 27 is rounded and includes a bottom wedge-shaped slot 28. A plug 29 is inserted as indicated in FIG. 3, with the same including a sector, air-passageway aperture 30. Cap 31 may be fitted over the cylindrical body as indicated in FIG. 3.

The construction of audible whistles of course is well known, with the pitch being determined by the length of the whistle, the dimension of the angulated slot at 28, the distance between plug 29 and the forward end of the whistle, and so forth. In standard practice hole 26 will have a nominal diameter of one-sixteenth of an 3 v inch, by way of example. The whistle construction is essentially proportional and to scale, with the length of the representative whistle, given by way of example and not by way of limitation, proximating one and threequarter inches. While the whistle encompasses the audible as well as the supersonic spectrums, itis desirous for the whistle to be operative so that it can be heard by a mechanic. Thus, a whistle design such that the sound thereof lies between 20 cycles and 17,000 cycles a second would be appropriate and effective.

In operation, outside air-enters the whistle at 26 and, by virtue of the low pressure area proximate the intake manifold conduits 13, will produce an audible noise and, by the same, sound waves within and beneath the device 10. There will appear a focal point centrally of the device and approximately 1 7% inches below the same such that all air and fuel coming from the carburetor will become homogenized, that is thoroughly mixed proximate the aforementionedfocal point. Such homogenization and focusing is further enhanced through the provision of the ribs 22 as above indicated. It has been found very much preferred for the upper edges at 23' of each of the radial ribs to have rounded conduits, this so as to achieve a maximum lateral dispersion of fuel and air as the same enters the device.

FIG. 4 illustrates the construction for a -two-barrel carburetor, wherein plate 32 is provided with medial apertures 33 and 34 defined by incline edges 35 and 36 and ribs 37 and 38. These likewise will include rounded upper peripheries in much the same manner as ribs 22' in FIG. 2. Apertures 39 and 40 receive whistle structures 41 and 42, that can be constructed in exactly the same manner as that shown in P16. 3. As an alternative, adjustment screws 43 and 44 may be threaded into drilled and tapped apertures at 45 and 46. Air admittance apertures 47 and 48 register with respective apertures 49 and 50 of the primary plate structure, and recess 51 is supplied with a porous plastic air filter 52.

Accordingly, screws 43 and 44 may be utilized to vary the effective opening of apertures 47and 48, this being accomplished through the threading up and down of such adjustment screws.

in cross-section'of a representative whistle construction is seen in H6. 5, the same being identical to that shown in H6. 2 with the exception of the provision of adjustment screw 43 and its adjustable disposition within drilled and tapped aperture 45.

Apertures 53 in H6. 4 simply serve as mounting apertures, see also 53' inFlG. 2, to accommodate the usual attachment bolts as associated with two-barrel carburetor use.

Obviously the plate can be modified to include additional openings and whistles for three and four-barrel constructions, by way of example.

In operation, the individual'rounded ribs deflect in a disbursing manner the fuel and air proceeding down through'the device toward the intake manifold of the engine. The whistle produces sound waves that is condensations and rare-factions of fuel and air which further serve to increase homogeneity of the fuel-air mixture.

By way of results obtained, in connection with such a construction, a'l972 FordGalaxie automobile with a 351 CD1 engine equipped with dual-throat carburetor has been tested. Mileage on the automobile was found to be 13,879 miles. Exhaust emissions were measured at idle and also at simulated road speed of mph.

Content of exhaust emissions as to carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide were determined by two Beckman model 315A nondispersive infrared analyzers. Unburned hydrocarbon amounts were determined with a Beckman model 400 flame ionization analyzer. Simulated road conditions were applied by use of a conventional Clayton dynamometer. The results of these tests are shown in the following tables:

TABLE I DEVlCE NOT INSTALLED.

Note: At 20 mph the load absorbed by the dynamometer was 10.4 hp in all cases.

TABLE I1 DEVICE INSTALLED Speed Spark Hydrocarbons Carbon Nitric MPH or Advance (PPM) Monoxide Oxide RPM (in degrees) (7:) (PPM) Idle 800 RPM 6 191 0.10% 12.5

20 MPH 6 156 0.10% 10 ldle 800 RPM 10 156 0.10% 15 20 MPH 10 132 0.10% 12.5

ldle i 800 RPM 12 156 0.10% 15.0

20 MPH l2 132 0.10% 15.0

Note: At 20 mph the load absorbed by the dynamometer was 10.4 hp in all cases.

From the above tables it is'clearly seen that there is a marked reduction of noxious emissions when using thedevice of the present invention.

While particular embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art the various changes and modifications which may be made without departing from the essential features of the present invention and, therefore, the aim in the appended claims is to cover all such changes and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

1 claim:

l. A fuel-air homogenizing .device for operative disposition between the carburetor and the intake manifold of an internal combustion engine, including, in combination, a plate having a transverse, interior, fuelair passageway aperture, and whistle means disposed laterally through said plate on one side of said passageway aperture, said whistle means having a sonic-wave producing means, comprising fixed structure forming a sonic-wave producing slot, disposed within said aperture and also an air-receiving apertured portion disposed at a position outside of said plate.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein said air-receiving portion includes a side-wall aperture disposed outside of said plate.

3. The device of claim 1 wherein said air-receiving portion includes a longitudinal, threaded passageway, an adjustment screw threaded into said threaded passageway, said air-receiving portion including-a sidewall aperture disposed proximatesaid threaded passageWayQ 4. A fuel-air homogenizing device for operative dis position between the carburetor and the intake manifold of an internal combustion engine, including, in combination, a plate having a transverse, interior, fuelair passageway aperture, and whistle means disposed laterally through said plate on one side of said passageway aperture, said whistle means having a sonic-wave producing means disposed within said aperture and also an air-receiving apertured portion disposed at a position outside of said plate, said whistle means including an angulated slot oriented downwardly with respect to and within said plate, and a plug disposed anterior to said slot and including a sector opening.

5. A fuel-air homogenizing device for operative disposition between the carburetor and the intake manifold of an internal combustion engine, including, in

6. Structure according to claim 1 wherein said sonic- I wave producing device is oriented in the direction of fuel-air stream flow.

7. A fuel-air homogenizing device for operative disv 6 position between the carburetor and theintake manifold of an internal combustion engine, including, in

combination, a plate having a transverse, interior, fuelair passageway aperture, and whistle means disposed laterally through said plate on one side of said passageway aperture, said whistle means having a sonic-wave producing means disposed within said aperture and also an air-receiving aperture portion disposed at a position outside of said plate, said passageway aperture being defined by an interior plate edge defining mutually spaced, radially directed, transversely rounded ribs, said ribs being inclined downwardly, the apices of said ribs essentially defining an open circle.

8. Structure according to claim.7 wherein said edge between said ribs is inclined downwardly, presenting a sloping'surface relative to the fuel-air mixture originating thereabove.

9. A fuel-air homogenizing device for operative disposition between a multi-barrel carburetor and the intake manifold of an internal combustion engine, said device including, in combination, a plate having plural fuel-air passageway apertures, plural whistle means laterally disposed through said plate and having sonicwave producing means oriented within said fuel-air passageway apertures, respectively, said plate including a recess, an airfilter disposed in said recess, said whistle means including side-wall apertures, said plate including respective apertures communicating between said recess of said plate and said side-wall apertures of said whistle. 

1. A fuel-air homogenizing device for operative disposition between the carburetor and the intake manifold of an internal combustion engine, including, in combination, a plate having a transverse, interior, fuel-air passageway aperture, and whistle means disposed laterally through said plate on one side of said passageway aperture, said whistle means having a sonic-wave producing means, comprising fixed structure forming a sonic-wave producing slot, disposed within said aperture and also an airreceiving apertured portion disposed at a position outside of said plate.
 2. The device of claim 1 wherein said air-receiving portion includes a side-wall aperture disposed outside of said plate.
 3. The device of claim 1 wherein said air-receiving portion includes a longitudinal, threaded passageway, an adjustment screw threaded into said threaded passageway, said air-receiving portion including a side-wall aperture disposed proximate said threaded passageway.
 4. A fuel-air homogenizing device for operative disposition between the carburetor and the intake manifold of an internal combustion engine, including, in combination, a plate having a transverse, interior, fuel-air passageway aperture, and whistle means disposed laterally through said plate on one side of said passageway aperture, said whistle means having a sonic-wave producing means disposed within said aperture and also an air-receiving apertured portion disposed at a position outside of said plate, said whistle means including an angulated slot oriented downwardly with respect to and within said plate, and a plug disposed anterior to said slot and including a sector opening.
 5. A fuel-air homogenizing device for operative disposition between the carburetor and the intake manifold of an internal combustion engine, inCluding, in combination, a plate having a transverse, interior, fuel-air passageway aperture, and whistle means disposed laterally through said plate on one side of said passageway aperture, said whistle means having a sonic-wave producing means disposed within said aperture and also an air-receiving aperture portion disposed at a position outside of said plate, said passageway aperture being defined by an interior plate edge defining mutually spaced, radially directed, transversely rounded ribs.
 6. Structure according to claim 1 wherein said sonic-wave producing device is oriented in the direction of fuel-air stream flow.
 7. A fuel-air homogenizing device for operative disposition between the carburetor and the intake manifold of an internal combustion engine, including, in combination, a plate having a transverse, interior, fuel-air passageway aperture, and whistle means disposed laterally through said plate on one side of said passageway aperture, said whistle means having a sonic-wave producing means disposed within said aperture and also an air-receiving aperture portion disposed at a position outside of said plate, said passageway aperture being defined by an interior plate edge defining mutually spaced, radially directed, transversely rounded ribs, said ribs being inclined downwardly, the apices of said ribs essentially defining an open circle.
 8. Structure according to claim 7 wherein said edge between said ribs is inclined downwardly, presenting a sloping surface relative to the fuel-air mixture originating thereabove.
 9. A fuel-air homogenizing device for operative disposition between a multi-barrel carburetor and the intake manifold of an internal combustion engine, said device including, in combination, a plate having plural fuel-air passageway apertures, plural whistle means laterally disposed through said plate and having sonic-wave producing means oriented within said fuel-air passageway apertures, respectively, said plate including a recess, an air filter disposed in said recess, said whistle means including side-wall apertures, said plate including respective apertures communicating between said recess of said plate and said side-wall apertures of said whistle. 